The Early Years

The first phase of Sunland Village East's development began in 1984. The third and final phase was begun in 1994. The development was started by Ross Farnsworth, who had developed Dreamland Villa, and then Sunland Village. Sunland Village East was his third development. Sunland Springs was his final development before he passed on and his company was passed to his children, who are continuing development of Sunland Springs.

We residents of Sunland Village East naturally think that our development was the epitomy of quality homes and condominiums at reasonable prices, without compromising on quality of life.

The desert shrubbery has been removed and SVE is just bare earth and one man's vision in July 1984.  ↓↓ The desert shrubbery has been removed and SVE is just bare earth and one man's vision in July 1984.

The backhoes have been at work, and a channel has been dug for the water, sewer, electrical infrastructure. This picture is looking south down Farnsworth Drive.   ↓↓ The backhoes have been at work, and a channel has been dug for the water, sewer, electrical infrastructure. This picture is looking south down Farnsworth Drive.

The foundations for the North Complex have been laid, and one of the two North Pools is being constructed.   ↓↓ The foundations for the North Complex have been laid, and one of the two North Pools is being constructed.

Every development needs its first model homes, so prospective owners can walk through them and see the quality and appeal of the construction.   ↓↓ Every development needs its first model homes, so prospective owners can walk through them and see the quality and appeal of the construction.

Every development needs its first model homes, so prospective owners can walk through them and see the quality and appeal of the construction.   ↓↓ Every development needs its first model homes, so prospective owners can walk through them and see the quality and appeal of the construction.

Every development needs its first model home buyers. Someone has to make the leap! And here for all to see are the happy folks who took the first leap.   ↓↓ Every development needs its first model home buyers. Someone has to make the leap! And here for all to see are the happy folks who took the first leap.

It is now 1985 and one of the very important amenities, the six tennis courts, are under construction. SVE has some of the finest tennis courts in the East Valley.   ↓↓ It is now 1985 and one of the very important amenities, the six tennis courts, are under construction. SVE has some of the finest tennis courts in the East Valley.

It is not a good picture, but it is historic. It is 1985 and here is Ross Farnsworth standing under his sign advertising SVE.   ↓↓ It is not a good picture, but it is historic. It is 1985 and here is Ross Farnsworth standing under his sign advertising SVE.

Can't you visualize the new golf course under construction here? Me neither. But that is what it is.   ↓↓ Can't you visualize the new golf course under construction here? Me neither. But that is what it is.

Not sure of the year, but this was the middle stage of construction of our Village Auditorium.   ↓↓ Not sure of the year, but this was the middle stage of construction of our Village Auditorium.

The Auditorium has been framed and finished on the outside, and the inside is finished except for the parquet wood flooring, which is being laid in this picture.   ↓↓ The Auditorium has been framed and finished on the outside, and the inside is finished except for the parquet wood flooring, which is being laid in this picture.

Not sure of the month or year, but the Auditorium has been finished and this is the big reception for its grand opening.   ↓↓ Not sure of the month or year, but the Auditorium has been finished and this is the big reception for its grand opening.

It is 1988 and many homes have been constructed and sold. Not much in the way of trees yet! But you should see it now.   ↓↓ It is 1988 and many homes have been constructed and sold. Not much in the way of trees yet! But you should see it now.

It is 1994 and Farnsworth is breaking ground for phase three, the final phase of the buildout of 2437 residences.   ↓↓ It is 1994 and Farnsworth is breaking ground for phase three, the final phase of the buildout of 2437 residences.


MORE OF THE PHOTO GALLERY

Golf Course
The North Complex
The South Complex
Examples of Homes
Softball Field
Scenery
Activities
The RV Storage Lot
SVE's Early Years
Staff and Office Volunteers